One day a week can make a world of difference

Supporter story: Peter Hall

Peter Hall, 54, is the founder of Australia’s largest ethical investment manager, Hunter Hall Investment Management, and a Director of the International Rhino Foundation and Voiceless, an Australian animal welfare charity. Hunter Hall and Peter have donated over $10m to good causes, focusing on anti-whaling and preventing the extinction of the Javan and Sumatran rhinos. Peter lives in London.

When did you start Meat Free Monday?
I started on Monday 22 September, 2014, so today is my 20th MFM.

Where did you hear about the campaign?
I subscribe to PaulMcCartney.com and when Paul made a personal appeal I felt I had to comply. If Paul McCartney asks you to do something you do it!

What motivated you to support Meat Free Monday?
Compassion for animals and loyalty to the Beatles!

Do you do any preparation before Monday each week, if so what?
No I don’t. But when I waver in my commitment I remind myself of the importance of what we are doing.

How have you found eating out? Are there any places near you which offer good meat free options on Mondays?
It has never been a problem. I was in Sydney recently and had two wonderful dinners at Lentil as Anything, a ‘pay as you feel’ vegetarian restaurant in Newtown. My office in London is on Frith Street, Soho, and Milk Bar cafe does a nice MFM vegetarian soup. Today it was Potato, Leek and Mushroom. Pret a Manger also does a nice Avocado and Salad Wrap.

How have friends, family and colleagues responded to you doing Meat Free Monday?
Very positive – I am slowly working away at a few to get them to take it up.

What resources (cookbooks/guides/websites) have you found useful?
I am a good cook so I have found it pretty easy to whip up vegetarian meals.

Do you have any tips for people considering Meat Free Monday?
One could combine it with a restricted calorie day and just have two meals – breakfast + lunch or lunch + dinner. Also – remember what you owe the world and its inhabitants and what you owe the Beatles.

If you could sum up your Meat Free Monday experience so far in one sentence, what would it be?
Much easier than expected!